Smart Gilas Pilipinas enters the semi-finals of the 2011 Jones Cup after beating Japan.

The Smart Gilas Pilipinas basketball team triumphed in their match against Japan, 94-78, and secured a place in the semi-finals of the 33rd William Jones Cup basketball tournament at the Hsinjhuang Stadium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Scores:

Smart-Gilas Pilipinas 94 — Douthit 32, Hontiveros 14, Tiu 11, Lassiter 11, Lutz 9, Barroca 8, Aguilar 7, Taulava 2, Casio 0, Baracael 0, Ballesteros 0, Ababou 0.

Japan 78 — Matsui 27, Nishimura 11, Okada 9, Hinkley 8, Ota 7, Shonaka 5, Togashi 5, Ito 4, Arao 2, Kamata 0, Noguchi 0, Sakai 0.

Quarter scores: 24-20; 49-44; 65-68; 94-78.

The Philippine team ended the eliminations with a 5 win 2 losses card to take the second seeding (Korea is 1st) going into the Final Four round. They are currently vying against two-time defending champion Iran as of this moment.

If they win the match against Iran tonight, they will advance to the championship game tomorrow for the title. If they lose, they will face host country Chinese Taipei to battle for 3rd place.

Last August 7 during the first day of elimination matches, Smart Gilas Pilipinas trounced Iran, 73 to 59.